Q

8 days ....and counting.... until I get my 356 coupe back.

OK, ordinarly this wouldn't be an issue to justify its own thread, but this time it is.
Let me take you on a strange journey.....

3 months ago, I stumbled across a nice 356A coupe for sale.
Well known owner, well known car, very competitive in road events [with twin cam]
Now fitted with 800km [500miles] old big bore 1800cc - perfect for me to kick around in
....might even motivate me to finish the restoration of the other A coupe
The right car, the right owner, [premium price ]
So I buy it

The poor thing has sat on display for 2 years, so petrol in the oil, not uncommon.
We don't start it, just put it on a tilt tray, and send it off to the trusty 356 mechanic - to drain fluids, change seal etc before we fire her up.
All good.
.......or so we think

Everything drained, changed, and sorted.
The engine fires up. But all is not as it should be.....
Smoke, lots of it, and it only gets worse.
It is bad enough to justify opening her up for a look-see.

Worn, split valve stems seals
The valves are even more worn
Incorrect valve springs
Heat shields are missing
Barrels are old - REALLY old
Various other bits are broken
So much for my "new - has only done 800km " engine
[I have a few pics I will post later]

Dissappointing that someone who trades off his family's name would misrepresent something so blatantly ....for the sake of a few extra thousand $$$
Greed is an interesting master to serve.....

Anyway, enough of that.
Fast forward 3 months .... and I am counting down the last days until I actually get to drive my new A

ked

Q,
What a bummer! Hope things work out from here forward.
Is it possible that the seller didn't know the engine was bad - could he have been lied to by some guy he sourced the engine from? If so, he still should've relayed that lack of surity to you. Is he willing to make amends at this late date? Key lessons for everyone - Trust, but VERIFY (independently!) & always qualify a car or sub-system as "good when sold" at the time of transaction.
best of luck...

Kahdmus

Looking forward to seeing some pics in a few days..!! Congratulations in advance!

Q

ked,
yes, things only get better from here !
I hope that is the case. I will speak to him this week.... time will tell.

Kahdmus
As soon as I have it back, the pics will be up

7 days and counting.......

Katalog

Q ..
I think I know the car you are referring to. What a narrow escape! I was ready to take out another mortgage! Then it disappeared from sale.
All the cosmetics looked fabulous. Once the pain of the engine refurb is over you should have a splendid, well sorted vehicle. And you will enjoy driving it in winter ;-)
Looking forward to the pics - btw, some of the things you mention about the representations made to you at the time of sale could give rise to a claim against the vendor.
"new - has only done 800km " is a pretty strong thing to say. You might find it useful to have a word with an experienced, commercial litigation solicitor. If the vendor was a company that may give you some rights under the Trade Practices Act as well as the Sale of Goods Act etc. Check it out. May be worth the effort.
all the best

Q

Katalog,
If you were considering another mortgage, we are definitely talking about the same car
Agreed, once sorted, it will be perfect
I will see how the previous owner chooses to handle it...... then decision time.

Which part of Oz are you in ?



6 days and counting.......

Katalog

located in Brisbane - otherwise known as Kalka with the Signal Red 356 :-)
I have difficulty changing usernames on Rennlist so I leave it as it is.
Can you let me know who is your 356 mechanic in case I think of doing anything? Not that I have anything in particular in mind at the moment. I have used almost all of the usual suspects in Brisbane so far. Just interested in knowing of others.

Q

Katalog
Now that is a small world...
You have PM re: 356 mechanics

5 days and counting.........


.

V2Rocket

Katalog

Hey Q! Time's up! Judging by that American method of dating, you posted on 1st July ... pics please?

Some guys like the smell of napalm in the morning. Simple old Shell Helix is ok by me. And a shot of a shiny black 356 vibrating with anticipation ... well, you know what I mean ;-)

tommytomaso

It must be like a teenage boy and his new Hot girlfriend!!!...he throws aside his friends for the hottie....lol

Kahdmus

lol @ this thread!

<eagerly awaits pictures>

Q

oooooooh, I am so busted......

Well the 356 is home
Engine is sorted at much expense
.....but what a wicked little critter to drive

Here are a couple of quick pics ....but the car has changed already !
At my wifes request, the bumpers have come off.
SHE wants the Outlaw look
I will be taking new pics tomorrow....

Kahdmus

Great pics, thanks Q! Gorgeous car Not too sure about the wheels but its hard to tell in the pics (can you take some outdoors in the daylight? - we don't ask much here eh!?)

That's rather a nice collection btw. I wish my garage looked like some of the ones I see here!

ked

beautiful car, great pics! I must disagree w/ your wife (but you'd best not) - I think the thin, low, non-over-rider bumpers make the car appear longer & lower - maybe some neat chrome nerf bars? looks like the wheel rims were widened - nice, but a bit heavy (if steel). louvered lid is nice touch, too. very well-executed interior - the seats are just right.

gotta agree about the garage - & the shot of the 3 together - excellent! whenever someone wonders where the 911 got it good looks, this should resolve the matter.

the pain of the engine problems will recede the more you drive it... happy trails!

ps: w/ a 4 cam engine (did the chassis come w/ a 4cam from the fact?), the car might be worth enough to make you forget the pain.